While many of us may try to reduce our calorie intake, babies are a completely different story.
Your little one needs calories to maintain a healthy body weight, and they support normal growth and development.
That's why understanding your baby's dietary needs is essential. And today, we will help you with that.
This guide will explain the role of calories in a baby's development, how many calories little ones actually need, and how to choose the right infant formula that will keep your baby's weight growing steadily.
So, are you ready to learn more? Then let's begin!
Now, calories aren't rocket science, but they are still a rather vague concept. And understanding them can help you make sure your baby gets exactly what they need.
So, a calorie is a measurement of the energy released when the body breaks down food. The more calories per meal, the more energy your body will receive when digesting and absorbing the food.
Sounds simple, right?
Calories are an essential part of your baby's nutrition and provide the energy your baby's body uses to grow. Thus, low-calorie intake in young children can lead to problems. For instance, poor nutrition is associated with an increased susceptibility to inflammation and infections.
To calculate how many calories your baby needs, you need to account for their age, size, and sex.
The general calorie recommendations in pediatrics are as follows:
For males:
• 1 to 3 months: 472 to 572 calories a day
• 4 to 6 months: 548 to 645 calories a day
• 7 to 9 months: 668 to 746 calories a day
• 10 to 12 months: 793 to 844 calories a day
For females:
• 1 to 3 months: 438 to 521 calories a day
• 4 to 6 months: 508 to 593 calories a day
• 7 to 9 months: 608 to 678 calories a day
• 10 to 12 months: 717 to 768 calories a day
Premature infants may require a different amount depending on their body weight.
Calculating the right amount of calories should be done only with the help of a pediatrician.
Your baby's doctor can suggest the perfect amount per feeding to ensure your newborn baby gets proper nutrition for growth and development!
Several ingredients in infant formula contribute to its overall nutritional value. Many calories are received from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Carbohydrates normally provide 4 calories per gram.
Lactose is typically the main carbohydrate in baby formula. Most babies can tolerate lactose, but some are sensitive to milk proteins.
In this case, you can consider an infant formula containing lactose alternatives such as sucrose, maltodextrins, tapioca starch, etc. There are also reduced-lactose formula options.
Fats usually provide 9 calories per gram.
Fats in infant formula are often derived from vegetable oils (soy, coconut, palm, high-oleic sunflower or safflower, and, occasionally, animal fats).
Proteins typically offer 4 calories per gram.
As for proteins, this will depend on the type of formula your baby takes. It's often cow or goat milk but can also be soy or rice protein. The proteins can also be partially hydrolyzed, extensively hydrolyzed, and amino acid-based.
If you've never counted your little one's calories before and you're worried whether your baby takes enough calories with each feeding, you can shed your fears:
In most cases, you don't have to count the calories in each of their meals. As long as your baby is growing steadily and remains healthy, you don't need to give calories too much thought.
That being said, there are scenarios when your baby might have specific needs requiring a higher calorie intake (for instance, if your little one is a preemie).
That's why it's crucial to consult a medical professional. A pediatrician will help you count how many calories your baby requires daily based on weight, gender, and health.
It's also important to talk to a doctor when choosing a formula; a professional can recommend a suitable brand and type of milk to ensure your baby gets the nutrients they need.
Want to know how to monitor your baby's development?Here's what you can do:
• Don't miss your regular weight and growth checkups 👩⚕️
• Track your baby's formula consumption and response 📝
• Adjust their formula intake as needed as your baby grows 🍼
• Monitor for signs of over- or underfeeding (gassiness, vomiting, and irritability when overfeeding; lethargy, fewer wet diapers, and slow weight gain when underfeeding) ❤️🩹
When choosing the right formula for your baby, there are some important things to remember.
First, you might want to compare formulas on their nutritional value (for instance, Holle, HiPP, Kendamil, Jovie, or Nannycare) if your baby requires a specific diet.
And in any case, it's crucial to get expert advice, so consult your baby's pediatrician. They will recommend the ideal formula to meet your baby's specific needs.
This is the safest way to choose a formula for your little angel!
How cool would it be if you could easily find a premium baby formula to meet ALL your little one's specific needs?
Well, our store is just that!
We offer a wide selection of high-quality European formulas from Holle, HiPP, Kendamil, Jovie, and Nannycare. We can also offer various formula types that are suited for different nutritional needs!
And here's why you might want to choose a European formula: They are made under strict regulations and quality standards, as European laws are uncompromising when it comes to baby nutrition.
Plus, European brands carry an impressive selection of specialized formulas for a better chance of finding a perfect fit, even if your baby has special dietary needs.
So, don't hesitate to browse the formula on our store today!
And to make the start of your journey with Baby Milk Bar even better, we would like to offer you a limited-time discount code for Holle, HiPP, Kendamil, Jovie, and Nanny Care formulas.
We also have bundle deals for first-time customers, so you can save a buck or two while getting everything your baby needs.
Plus, our store is happy to offer free shipping on qualifying orders. We know shipping can cost an arm and a leg, so allow us to take this burden off your shoulders.
Wrapping Up: Ensuring Proper Nutrition with the Right Calories
Calories in baby formula play an essential role as they support your little one's growth and development.
That's why it's crucial to get the right formula and monitor your baby's growth and weight gain.
And to alleviate any concerns, make sure you talk to a professional. They will help you figure out your baby's nutritional needs and how to meet them!
And if you want to get a top-quality formula for your little angel, make sure to check out our store.
We are happy to offer a wide selection of premium European formulas to help you keep your baby healthy and well-fed!
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies. Before altering your baby's diet or feeding routine, consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. The information in this article is strictly for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice.
